`I Can' Concept Fosters Learning

CAREER: Taught fourth and fifth grades on Long Island, N.Y., for 14 years. Currently in fifth year of teaching third grade at Pompano Beach Elementary.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in psychology from Southampton College of Long Island University; master's degree in education from Hofstra University.

WHY HE TEACHES: I enjoy watching my students each year develop the skills they will need to form a strong foundation to face the challenges of the future. Due to the current student population, many of our children come from single-parent homes. I feel it is important to have a male role model in their lives. I am proud to be put into that capacity.

HOW HE MAKES LEARNING FUN: By allowing children to use their imaginations, they learn to feel that their ideas are very valuable. The concept of "I can" permeates my classroom. Programs like my "Fancy Math" allow students to develop skills through a cooperative and active enjoyable activity.

FREE-TIME FUN: Spending time with my family and friends. Watching sports on TV if I can pull myself away from the computer.

NOMINATED BY: Julie Cusmano, whose son, Robert, was in Auerbach's third-grade class last year: "He is an excellent teacher, he loves teaching and he loves the kids. Most importantly, he still stays involved with my son and other kids that have been in his class. He stays in touch and stays up on what they are doing."

Call the Sun-Sentinel Source Line at 523-LINE and enter category number 8363 to nominate a teacher. After the recording, please leave your name, phone number and the teacher's first and last name and school, public or private. Profiles will run in the order that they are received.